Debris carts and systems and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for processing debris from job sites are disclosed. Carts for receiving the debris are also disclosed. Each cart has a base, a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base relative to a vertical axis, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls and the base of each cart cooperate to define a debris-receiving space. The carts can be engaged by a lifting apparatus that rotates along an arcuate path to position the carts in an unloading position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/099,345, filed Apr. 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to carts for receiving debris from a jobsite, aswell as systems and methods for using such carts to process debris.

BACKGROUND

Conventional techniques for processing debris generated at a jobsiterequire that the debris be handled by a large number of workers.Typically, a large dumpster is delivered to a jobsite using a roll-offtruck. A large designated area is required for placement, loading, andunloading of the dumpster. Thus, the dumpster typically remains in afixed location, which is often inconveniently located a long distancefrom the location where debris is generated or obtained. Consequently,debris is often piled up on ground or floor surfaces to be transportedto the dumpster at a later time. Usually, at least two separate handlingoperations (piling of debris, transport of debris) are required toposition the debris in the dumpster. The dumpster typically receives alltypes of debris from a jobsite and remains open to permit positioning ofmaterial within the dumpster at any time. Not surprisingly, suchdumpsters are often filled with a wide variety of debris types, makingit difficult to separate recyclable materials from other materials.Additionally, because the dumpsters are easily accessible by members ofthe public, the dumpsters often are filled with non-jobsite waste.

Thus, there is a need for improved systems and methods for processingdebris generated at a jobsite. In particular, there is a need forsystems and methods that minimize the number of handling operationsrequired to process debris generated at a jobsite. There is a furtherneed for systems and methods that improve the efficiency, reliability,and/or security of debris processing.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in various aspects, is a system for processing debris.The system can have at least one cart, a lifting apparatus, and a firstconveyor assembly. Each cart can have a base, a plurality of wheelsextending downwardly from the base relative to a vertical axis, and aplurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls and thebase of each cart can cooperate to define a debris-receiving space. Thelifting apparatus can have at least one arm assembly configured toengage a portion of the base of a respective cart of the at least onecart when the cart is in a resting position. Following engagementbetween the at least one arm assembly and the cart, the at least one armassembly of the lifting apparatus can be selectively rotatable relativeto a rotational axis to move the cart about and between the restingposition and an unloading position. The cart can reach the unloadingposition following rotational movement of the at least one arm assemblyof the lifting apparatus along an arcuate path having an arc lengthranging from about 130 degrees to about 170 degrees. The first conveyorassembly can be configured to receive debris from the at least one cartwhen the at least one cart is in the unloading position.

Also described herein, in additional aspects, is a method for processingdebris. The method can include providing at least one cart to a jobsite,transporting the at least one cart from the jobsite to a debrisprocessing facility, and effecting engagement between at least one armassembly of a lifting apparatus and a first cart of the at least onecart. Each cart can have a base, a plurality of wheels extendingdownwardly from the base relative to a vertical axis, and a plurality ofwalls extending upwardly from the base. The walls and the base of eachcart can cooperate to define a debris-receiving space. The debrisprocessing facility can include a lifting apparatus and a first conveyorassembly. Following engagement between the at least one arm assembly andthe first cart, the method can include selectively rotating the at leastone arm assembly of the lifting apparatus relative to a rotational axisto move the first cart from a resting position to an unloading position.The first cart reaches the unloading position following rotationalmovement of the at least one arm assembly of the lifting apparatus alongan arcuate path having an arc length ranging from about 130 degrees toabout 170 degrees. With the first cart in the unloading position, thefirst conveyor assembly can receive debris exiting the first cart.

In further aspects, described herein is a debris cart having a base, aplurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base relative to avertical axis, a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base ofthe base assembly, and a plurality of receptacles extending downwardlyfrom the base. The plurality of walls cooperate with the base to definea debris-receiving space. The plurality of walls can include opposedfront and back walls and opposed first and second side walls. The firstand second side walls extend between and are connected to the front andback walls. Each wall of the plurality of walls has a rounded upperedge. The front and back walls have respective outer surfaces. Movingfrom the respective rounded upper edges of the front and back walls tothe base, the outer surfaces of the front and back walls are axiallytapered at a first taper angle relative to the vertical axis. The firstand second side walls have respective outer surfaces. Moving from therounded upper edge of each side wall to the base, the outer surfaces ofthe first and second side walls are axially tapered at a second taperangle relative to the vertical axis. The plurality of receptacles caninclude: a first set of receptacles having at least one row ofreceptacles aligned relative to a longitudinal axis extending throughthe opposed first and second side walls of the cart; and a second set ofreceptacles having at least one row of receptacles aligned relative to atransverse axis extending through the opposed walls of the cart.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the inventionwill become more apparent in the detailed description in which referenceis made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary cart as disclosedherein;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational of the cart of FIG. 1,taken at line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a plurality ofcarts positioned in a stacked configuration as disclosed herein;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary debris processingsystem as disclosed herein;

FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of an exemplary lifting apparatus asdisclosed herein;

FIG. 8C is a front elevational view of the lifting apparatus of FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary system forprocessing debris as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram depicting the drop-off and pick-up ofcarts at a jobsite as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” compriseplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an engagement element” can comprise two ormore such engagement elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also comprises any combination of members of that list.

Described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-9 are carts, systems, andmethods for processing debris. As used herein, the term “debris” refersto any discarded material, including, for example and withoutlimitation, waste materials, rubbish, and the remains of broken down ordestroyed materials.

In exemplary aspects, a system 100 for processing debris can comprise atleast one cart 10. In these aspects, the cart 10 can have a base 20, aplurality of wheels 70 extending downwardly from the base relative to avertical axis 12, and a plurality of walls 22, 30, 36, 42 extendingupwardly from the base. It is contemplated that the base can optionallyhave a rectangular shape, although other shapes are possible. The wheels70 can permit selective movement of the cart 10 to achieve desiredpositioning and orientation of the cart. Optionally, in exemplaryaspects, the wheels 70 can comprise casters as are known in the art. Inthese aspects, it is contemplated that the plurality of wheels 70 cancomprise four casters positioned proximate respective corners of thebase 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-6. Optionally, the casters can bepolyurethane casters, such as, for example and without limitation,six-inch polyurethane casters as are known in the art. It iscontemplated that the use of casters can provide stability to the cart10 while also making the cart easier to roll and reducing floormarkings. In exemplary aspects, the casters can comprise a pair ofswivel casters positioned proximate either the first or second side walland a pair of rigid/fixed casters positioned proximate the other sidewall. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the walls 22, 30, 36, 42 and the base20 of each cart 10 can cooperate to define a debris-receiving space 50.In use, the debris-receiving space 50 can be configured to receivedebris as further disclosed herein. Optionally, although not shown, itis contemplated that each cart 10 can be provided with a lid thatcontains and conceals debris within the cart as the cart is selectivelymoved around a jobsite or debris processing location. In exemplaryaspects, each cart 10 can comprise a lid formed from hard plastic as isknown in the art. In further exemplary aspects, each cart 10 cancomprise a lid formed from a rimmed lid comprising soft elastic materialas is known in the art. It is contemplated that the lid of each cart cancomprise a single-piece lid or a plurality of lid portions that areindependently moveable and that cooperate to define the lid. Inexemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the lid can be pivotallycoupled to one of the walls of the cart in a conventional manner (e.g.,by a hinge connection). Optionally, in further exemplary aspects, it iscontemplated that each cart 10 can be provided with one or more exteriorbumper assemblies as are known in the art to reduce and/or eliminatescuffing or damage to walls and other surfaces as the carts are movedthroughout a jobsite or debris processing location.

In further exemplary aspects, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the plurality ofwalls of each cart 10 can comprise opposed front and back walls 22, 30and opposed first and second side walls 36, 42 that extend between andare connected to the front and back walls. In these aspects, it iscontemplated that each wall of the plurality of walls of each debriscart 10 can have a rounded upper edge 52. It is contemplated that therounded (e.g., capped) edges of each cart 10 can prevent and/or reducehand or limb injury during use of the cart. In still further exemplaryaspects, the front and back walls 22, 30 of each cart have respectiveouter surfaces 26, 32 and respective inner surfaces 28, 34. In theseaspects, as shown in FIG. 4, moving from the respective rounded upperedges 52 of the front and back walls 22, 30 to the base 20 of the cart10, the outer surfaces 26, 32 of the front and back walls can be axiallytapered at a first taper angle 54 relative to the vertical axis 2. Inexemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the first taper angle 54 canrange from about 0.3 degrees to about 10 degrees, from about 0.4 degreesto about 5 degrees, or from about 0.5 degrees to about 1.5 degrees. Instill further exemplary aspects, the first and second side walls 36, 42can have respective outer surfaces 38, 44 and respective inner surfaces40, 46. In these aspects, moving from the rounded upper edge 52 of eachside wall 36, 42 to the base of the cart 10, the outer surfaces 38, 44of the first and second side walls can be axially tapered at a secondtaper angle 56 relative to the vertical axis 2. In exemplary aspects, itis contemplated that the first taper angle 54 can range from about 0.3degrees to about 10 degrees, from about 0.4 degrees to about 5 degrees,from about 0.5 degrees to about 3 degrees, or from about 0.5 degrees toabout 1.5 degrees. In exemplary aspects, the front and back walls 22, 30of the cart 10 can have a variable length that varies from a firstlength 64 at a top portion of the cart to a second length 66 at the base20 of the cart. Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated thatthe first length 64 can range from about 30 inches to about 70 inches,from about 35 inches to about 65 inches, from about 40 inches to about60 inches, from about 40 inches to about 45 inches, or from about 50inches to about 60 inches. Optionally, it is contemplated that the firstlength can be about 55 inches and the second length can be about 53inches. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the first length can beabout 43 inches and the second length can be about 40 inches. Inexemplary aspects, the first and second side walls 36, 42 of the cart 10can have a variable width that varies from a first width 60 at a topportion of the cart to a second width 62 at the base 20 of the cart.Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated that the first width 60can range from about 15 inches to about 45 inches, from about 20 inchesto about 40 inches, from about 25 inches to about 35 inches, from about25 inches to about 30 inches, or from about 30 inches to about 35inches. Optionally, it is contemplated that the first width can be about32 inches and the second width can be about 30 inches. Alternatively, itis contemplated that the first width can be about 28 inches and thesecond width can be about 26 inches. In still further aspects, it iscontemplated that the walls of the cart 10 can have a consistent height58 ranging from about 40 inches to about 60 inches or from about 45inches to about 55 inches. Optionally, the height 58 can be about 51inches.

In use, it is contemplated that the tapering of the walls 22, 30, 36, 42of the carts 10 disclosed herein can provide for easy release ofmaterials positioned within the debris-receiving space 50. As shown inFIG. 7, it is contemplated that the tapering of the walls 22, 30, 36, 42of the carts 10 disclosed herein can permit stacking of groups of carts,thereby providing for easy storage and/or transport of the carts whileminimizing the amount of space occupied by the carts. Thus, it iscontemplated that the tapering of the walls of the carts 10 can serveboth an ornamental and a functional purpose.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, at least one of the side walls 36, 42of the cart 10 can comprise a slot 48 that permits access to materialpositioned within the debris-receiving space 50 of the cart. Inexemplary aspects, the slot can have a substantially trapezoidal shapeas shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-4. However, it is contemplated that any shapecan be used to form the slot 48. In further exemplary aspects, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 3-4, it is contemplated that the slot can extenddownwardly from portions of the rounded upper edge 52 of the cart 10.Alternatively, it is contemplated that the side wall 36, 42 can entirelyenclose the slot 48. Optionally, it is contemplated that the slot can beprovided with a cover. Optionally, in one aspect, the slot 48 can bedefined in the side wall 36, 42 having swivel casters as furtherdisclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, each debris cart 10 can comprise a plurality ofreceptacles extending downwardly from the base 20. It is contemplatedthat the receptacles can optionally have a substantially rectangularshape; however, it is contemplated that any shape complementary to thelifting apparatus (e.g., a round shape) can be used. Optionally, inexemplary aspects, the plurality of receptacles can comprise a first setof receptacles 80 a, 80 b having at least one row of receptacles alignedrelative to a longitudinal axis 4 extending through the opposed firstand second side walls 36, 42 of the cart and being perpendicular to thevertical axis 2. Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated thatthe plurality of receptacles can further comprise a second set ofreceptacles 82 a, 82 b having at least one row of receptacles alignedrelative to a transverse axis 16 extending through the opposed front andback walls 22, 30 of the cart and being perpendicular to the verticalaxis 2 and the longitudinal axis 4. As shown in FIG. 6, it iscontemplated that each set of receptacles can comprise a plurality ofrows of aligned receptacles.

In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the cart 10 cancomprise at least one floor lock 90, such as a conventional floor lockbrake as is known in the art. In these aspects, it is contemplated thatthe floor lock 90 can extend downwardly from the base 20 and beconfigured for selective engagement by a worker (for example, by aworker's foot) to activate the floor lock. In exemplary aspects, asshown in FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the floor lock 90 can bepositioned between (optionally, centered between) a pair of wheels 70(e.g., casters) on one side of the cart 10. Optionally, in theseaspects, it is contemplated that the wheels 70 can comprise a pair ofswivel casters positioned on the same side of the cart as the floor lock90, thereby permitting optimum control of the cart.

In still further exemplary aspects, the cart 10 can comprise a pluralityof folding (e.g., hinged) handles 95 that are secured to at least oneside wall 36, 42 of the cart. In these aspects, it is contemplated thatthe folding handles 95 can permit manual control of the movement of thecart 10, while the folding of the handles ensures that the carts have areduced profile during transport and stacking (for example, in tightspaces). Optionally, handles 95 can be secured to both side walls 36,42.

In still further exemplary aspects, each cart can be assigned a uniqueidentifier and provided with indicia of the unique identifier. Exemplaryforms of indicia include barcodes, radiofrequency identification (RFID)tags, sensors, and the like. In use, it is contemplated that these formsof indicia can be used to track the location of a particular cart 10 andprovide a system controller 160 as further disclosed herein with theability to associate information with the unique identifier of the cart.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the cart 10can be constructed entirely from steel, thereby limiting and/orpreventing side bulging and mechanical failure. In further exemplaryaspects, it is contemplated that the walls of the cart 10 can beseem-welded to prevent and/or minimize liquid escape from thedebris-receiving space 50.

In further aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, the system 100can further comprise a lifting apparatus 120 having at least one armassembly configured to engage a portion of the base 20 of a respectivecart 10 of the at least one cart when the cart is in a resting position.Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated that the restingposition can correspond to a position in which the wheels 70 of the cart10 are resting on a flat surface. Following engagement between the atleast one arm assembly and the cart 10, the at least one arm assembly ofthe lifting apparatus 120 can be selectively rotatable relative to arotational axis 123 to move the cart about and between the restingposition and an unloading position. As shown in FIG. 8A, the cart 10 canreach the unloading position following rotational movement of the atleast one arm assembly of the lifting apparatus 120 along an arcuatepath having an arc length 130 ranging from about 105 to about 175degrees and more preferably, from about 130 degrees to about 170degrees.

In exemplary aspects, the lifting apparatus 120 can comprise an actuatorcoupled to the at least one arm assembly of the lifting apparatus. Inthese aspects, the actuator can be configured to effect selectiverotational movement of the at least one arm assembly of the liftingapparatus 120. It is contemplated that the actuator can be anyconventional actuator that is capable of creating rotational movement ofthe lifting apparatus 120. In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated thatthe actuator can be a hydraulic actuator; however it is contemplatedthat other rotational actuators (e.g., pneumatic, mechanical, orelectromechanical actuators) can be used.

In further exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C, eacharm assembly of the lifting apparatus 120 can comprise an arm 122 and atleast one engagement element 128 coupled to the arm and configured toengage the base 20 of the cart 10. Optionally, in these aspects, it iscontemplated that each receptacle 80 a, 80 b, 82 a, 82 b of the cart canbe configured to receive a corresponding engagement element 128 of thelifting apparatus 120. It is further contemplated that the at least oneengagement element 128 can be configured to engage either the first setof receptacles 80 a, 80 b or the second set of receptacles 82 a, 82 b ofeach cart 10 depending upon the orientation of the cart. Thus, it iscontemplated that the cart can engage the arm assembly in anyorientation (with either the front or back wall facing the arm assemblyor one of the side walls facing the arm assembly). In use, eachengagement element 128 can extend at least partially within eachreceptacle of a corresponding set of receptacles. Upon activation of thelifting apparatus, the arm assembly rotates relative to the arcuatepath. As shown in FIG. 8A, the engagement elements 128 and the base 20of the cart 10 are initially positioned in a horizontal (0 degree)orientation. However, following movement of the lifting apparatus to theunloading position, the engagement elements 128 and the base 20 of thecart 10 are positioned at an obtuse angle (corresponding to arc length128) relative to the ground, with the inner surface of the base 20 (andthe debris-receiving space 50) facing the ground, thereby permittinggravity-assisted unloading of debris from the cart.

In exemplary aspects, the at least one engagement element 128 of eacharm assembly can be pivotally coupled to the arm 122 of the armassembly. FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary pivot point 125 where the atleast one engagement element 128 can be pivotally coupled to the arm122. Optionally, in these aspects, the arm assembly can further comprisea mount 126 to which the at least one engagement element 128 is secured(e.g., mounted), and the mount can be pivotally coupled to the arm 122at the pivot point 125, thereby pivotally coupling the at least oneengagement element to the arm. The pivot point 125 can comprise aconventional pivotal connection, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a pin connection. In use, it is contemplated that thepivotal connection (at pivot point 125) can permit adjustment of theposition of the at least one engagement element 128 to provide foroptimal positioning of the engagement elements relative to the cart 10.For example, it is contemplated that the mount 126 (and the engagementelements 128) can be rotated at the pivot point 125 to adjust thevertical location of the engagement elements. In still further aspects,the arm 122 can optionally comprise a plurality of openings or slotsspaced along the length of the arm, with each opening (or group ofaligned openings) being configured to receive a pin to thereby permitadjustment of the location of the pivot point 125 (by allowing forpivotal coupling of the mount 126 at a variety of locations relative tothe length of the arm). Optionally, in further aspects, it iscontemplated that the at least one engagement element 128 can beconfigured for selective axial movement relative to the rotational axis123. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the arm 122 can beslidingly coupled to a pin to permit axial movement of the arm 122 (andconsequently, the mount 126 and engagement elements 128) relative to therotational axis 123. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the mount126 can be slidingly coupled to a pin secured at a distal portion of thearm 122 to permit axial movement of the mount (and consequently, theengagement elements 128) relative to the rotational axis. Thus, in use,it is contemplated that the pivot point 125 can optionally provide forselective vertical and/or horizontal movement of the at least oneengagement element 128, thereby ensuring optimal engagement with a cart10 as further disclosed herein. Optionally, it is contemplated that oneor more actuators can be coupled to the mount, the arm, and/or theengagement elements to effect desired rotational or axial movement ofthe engagement elements as disclosed herein. Following movement of theat least one engagement element as disclosed herein, it is contemplatedthat the mount and/or engagement elements can be locked in a desiredposition relative to the arm using conventional locking mechanisms.

Optionally, it is further contemplated that the engagement elements canbe selectively replaceable. For example, it is contemplated that a firstengagement element assembly can be detached from the mount and/or armand replaced with a second engagement element assembly that is morecompatible with a given type of cart. In exemplary aspects, it iscontemplated that the at least one engagement element can be secured tothe mount using conventional fasteners as are known in the art.Alternatively, it is contemplated that the at least one engagementelement can be integrally formed with or permanently secured to themount 126. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, it is contemplated thateach engagement element can be independently axially moveable relativeto at least one other engagement element. In these aspects, it iscontemplated that the engagement elements can be slidingly coupled to aportion of the mount and/or a portion of the arm to permit selective,independent movement of the engagement elements relative to therotational axis 123. In these aspects, it is further contemplated thatindividual engagement elements can be selectively axially moved relativeto the rotational axis 123 to create desired spacing between theengagement elements, as may be required when carts having varyingreceptacle configurations are used.

In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the at least oneengagement element 128 can comprise a plurality of elongate fingers asshown in FIGS. 8B-8C. Optionally, the plurality of elongate fingers canbe oriented substantially parallel to one another to define a “fork”configuration. When the cart 10 comprises a plurality of rows of alignedreceptacles, it is contemplated that engagement between the plurality ofelongate fingers can occur when each finger is received within at leasta portion of each receptacle within a corresponding row of receptacles.

In additional aspects, and with reference to FIG. 8A, the system 100 canfurther comprise a first conveyor assembly 140 configured to receivedebris from the at least one cart 10 when the at least one cart is inthe unloading position. Optionally, in various exemplary aspects, thesystem 100 can still further comprise a second conveyor assembly 150. Inthese aspects, the second conveyor assembly 150 can be positioneddownstream of the first conveyor assembly 140 such that the firstconveyor assembly 140 is configured to deliver debris to the secondconveyor assembly at a selectively adjustable rate.

In exemplary aspects, the disclosed system can be used in a method forprocessing debris. In one aspect, the method can comprise providing atleast one cart to a jobsite. In another aspect, and as shown in FIG. 8A,the method can comprise transporting the at least one cart from thejobsite to a debris processing facility 200. In this aspect, it iscontemplated that the debris processing facility 200 can comprise alifting apparatus and a first conveyor assembly as disclosed herein. Ina further aspect, the method can comprise effecting engagement betweenat least one arm assembly of a lifting apparatus and a first cart of theat least one cart. In another aspect, following engagement between theat least one arm assembly and the first cart, the method can furthercomprise selectively rotating the at least one arm assembly of thelifting apparatus relative to a rotational axis to move the first cartfrom a resting position to an unloading position as disclosed herein.Optionally, when an actuator is coupled to the at least one arm assemblyof the lifting apparatus, and the actuator can effect the selectiverotational movement of the at least one arm assembly of the liftingapparatus. In a further aspect, with the first cart in the unloadingposition, the first conveyor assembly receives debris exiting the firstcart. In still another aspect, the method can further compriseselectively adjusting a speed of the first conveyor assembly to deliverdebris to a second conveyor assembly at a desired rate.

In an additional aspect, the method can further comprise returning thefirst cart to the resting position after debris is unloaded from thefirst cart onto the first conveyor assembly. In another aspect, themethod can further comprise disengaging the first cart from the liftingapparatus and effecting engagement between at least one arm assembly ofthe lifting apparatus and a second cart of the at least one cart. In afurther aspect, following engagement between the at least one armassembly and the second cart, the method can further compriseselectively rotating the at least one arm assembly of the liftingapparatus relative to the rotational axis to move the second cart fromthe resting position to the unloading position.

In exemplary aspects, when the at least one arm assembly comprises atleast one engagement element as disclosed herein, it is contemplatedthat the at least one engagement element can engage the base of thefirst cart to effect engagement between the at least one arm assemblyand the first cart. In these aspects, it is further contemplated thatthe at least one engagement element can also effect engagement betweenadditional carts as further disclosed herein.

In further exemplary aspects, when each cart comprises at least onereceptacle as disclosed herein, it is contemplated that each engagementelement of the lifting apparatus can be received within a correspondingreceptacle of a respective cart (e.g., the first cart) to effectengagement between the at least one arm assembly and the cart. In stillfurther exemplary aspects, when the at least one receptacle of each cartcomprises first and second sets of receptacles as disclosed herein, itis contemplated that the at least one engagement element can engageeither the first set of receptacles or the second set of receptaclesdepending upon the orientation of the cart in the resting position.

In additional aspects, the method can further comprise sorting thedebris on the second conveyor assembly. In these aspects, it iscontemplated that any conventional sorting technique can be employed.Optionally, it is contemplated that the sorting can be performedmanually. However, in exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that atleast a portion of the sorting can be performed in an automated mannerusing conventional sorting equipment.

In further aspects, when each cart is assigned a unique identifier andprovided with indicia of the unique identifier, the method can furthercomprise detecting the indicia of the unique identifier of the firstcart prior to moving the first cart from the resting position to theunloading position. In these aspects, the indicia of the uniqueidentifier can be detected using conventional barcode-scanning equipment(e.g, scanning guns), RFID detection equipment, or optical recognitionequipment and/or software. However, it is contemplated that any knownscanning and/or detecting device or equipment can be used to detect acomplementary form of indicia. In addition to detecting the indicia ofthe unique identifier of a cart before the cart is moved to theunloading position, it is contemplated that the indicia can be detectedat other times and locations throughout the method. For example, asshown in FIG. 9, it is contemplated that a remote scanner 104 can beused to detect (scan) the indicia at the time of delivery of a cart to agiven jobsite. It is further contemplated that a remote scanner 106 canbe used to detect (scan) the indicia again at the time the cart isreturned from a jobsite for subsequent delivery to a debris processingfacility 200.

In still further aspects, the method can comprise measuring a weight ofthe first cart. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the weight ofthe first cart (and subsequent carts) can be measured before debris isunloaded from the cart, thereby providing for determination of theweight of debris loaded into the cart at the jobsite. In exemplaryaspects, the first cart and subsequent carts can be provided to thelifting apparatus on a platform 110 that comprises a scale 115positioned proximate the lifting apparatus.

In still further aspects, the method can comprise producing an image ofthe cart prior to positioning of the cart in the unloading position. Inthese aspects, the image can be produced using a first camera 118 as isknown in the art.

In still further aspects, the method can comprise producing an image ofdebris unloaded from the cart onto the first conveyor assembly. In theseaspects, it is contemplated that the image can be produced using thefirst camera 118 or a second camera 145 as is known in the art.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIG. 9, it iscontemplated that the system 100 can comprise a system controller 160having at least one processor 162 and at least one memory 164 incommunication with the at least one processor. Exemplary systemcontrollers include computing devices as are known in the art, such ascomputers, workstations, smartphones, handheld computing devices,programmable logic controllers, and the like. Although shown in FIG. 9as comprising a single processor 162 and a single memory 164, it iscontemplated that the various components of the disclosed system 100 cancomprise their own respective processors and/or memories thatcommunicate with the processors and memories of other system componentsto function as a system controller. In further exemplary aspects, and asshown in FIG. 9, it is contemplated that the system controller 160 canbe communicatively coupled (optionally, wirelessly, such as over anInternet or cellular communication network) to various components of thesystem 100 to receive information and/or control the performance of thesystem. For example, it is contemplated that the system controller 160can be communicatively coupled to the remote scanners 104, 106 toreceive information regarding a cart (such as location) as the cart isdelivered to a jobsite or returned from the jobsite. It is furthercontemplated that the system controller 160 can be communicativelycoupled to the scale 115 to receive information from the scale regardingthe weight of a cart. In exemplary aspects, the disclosed methods cancomprise transmitting information regarding the weight of the first cartto a system controller as disclosed herein. In these aspects, the methodcan further comprise using the system controller to associate themeasured weight of the first cart with the unique identifier assigned tothe cart. It is further contemplated that the system controller 160 canbe communicatively coupled to camera 118 and/or camera 145 to receiveimages obtained by the cameras and/or to control activation of thecameras during the processing of debris as disclosed herein. Inexemplary aspects, the disclosed methods can comprise producing an imageof the cart and/or an image of the debris provided from the first cartto the first conveyor assembly. In these aspects, the method can furthercomprise transmitting the image of the cart and/or the image of thedebris to the system controller. The method can still further compriseusing the system controller to associate the image of the cart and/orthe image of the debris with the unique identifier assigned to the cart.It is further contemplated that the system controller 160 can becommunicatively coupled to the actuator of the lifting apparatus 120 asdisclosed herein. Optionally, the system controller 160 can selectivelycontrol the rotation of the lifting apparatus 120 to thereby control themovement of each cart about and between the resting position and theunloading position. Similarly, it is further contemplated that thesystem controller 160 can be communicatively coupled to the firstconveyor assembly 140 and/or the second conveyor assembly 150.Optionally, the system controller 160 can selectively control the speedof one or both of the first and second conveyor assemblies 140, 150. Inuse, it is contemplated that the memory 164 of the system controller 160can store data and other information obtained during the processing ofdebris as disclosed herein. Such data can be retrieved as desired toproduce invoices, reports, and other deliverables related to the debriscollected in a cart or group of carts as disclosed herein.

Thus, in use, it is contemplated that the disclosed systems and methodscan provide various advantages in comparison to conventional debrisprocessing techniques. For example, it is contemplated that thedisclosed systems and methods can be used to deliver carts to a jobsitevia a straight truck with a conventional lift gate, rather than by theroll-off mechanisms typically required for placement of dumpsters. It isfurther contemplated that the disclosed systems and methods caneliminate the need for a large designed area for loading and placementof a dumpster. Instead, as shown in FIG. 10, carts can be delivered at avariety of locations throughout a jobsite 400, and following delivery,the carts can be selectively dispersed (rolled) throughout the jobsiteas required, with minimal effort. In contrast to conventional practices,the disclosed systems and methods allow for placement of debris directlyinto a cart, regardless of the location of the debris within thejobsite, thereby eliminating the need for piling and “double handling”of debris. With reference to FIG. 10, after debris is collected within acart, it is contemplated that the cart can be rolled directly to a truck300 for transport—there is no need for transferring the material fromthe cart to a dumpster. Due to the flexibility provided by the carts, itis contemplated that the cart retrieval point 420 (where carts arepicked up by a truck 300) can be different than the cart delivery point410 (where carts were first delivered to the jobsite 400). It is stillfurther contemplated that individual carts can be designed for specificmaterials to thereby produce greater recycling yields; in contrast,current techniques typically require that all materials be placed into acommon dumpster. Given the ease with which the disclosed carts can beselectively positioned, it is contemplated that the disclosed systemsand methods can provide for greater control over the access to carts,thereby enhancing the security over the content of the carts whilelimiting or preventing the placement of non-jobsite waste into thecarts. It is still further contemplated that the tracking and monitoringsystems and disclosed herein can be used to track the specific sourcesof discarded debris, with carts having been distributed amongspecialized jobsites.

An Exemplary Process

The following description relates to an exemplary, non-limiting processconsistent with the disclosed systems and methods.

Initially, with reference to FIG. 10, an order for at least one cart canbe placed for a specific jobsite 400. A dispatch ticket can be createdwith a unique ticket number. Each cart is provided with indiciaassociating the cart with the ticket number. The desired number of cartscan be scanned and assigned to the jobsite location. The carts can thenbe delivered to the jobsite 400. Following delivery, the carts can berolled to desired work areas at the jobsite. Debris materials can beplaced into the carts. As described herein, carts can optionally bedesignated for specific materials, source separating, for higherrecycling yield. Full carts can be rolled to a loading dock or otherarea 420 for pickup, which can occur at a location different than thedrop-off location 410. At the time of pick-up, the indicia(barcode/RFID) associated with each cart can be scanned for jobsiteidentification and inventory tracking. Filled carts can then be broughtto the recycling facility. The carts can be rolled from the truck onto aplatform and placed in queue for processing. Each cart can be moved ontoa scale, which is positioned proximate a lifting apparatus. The liftingapparatus can comprise a hydraulic actuator arm with a fork mechanism.Immediately before the cart lift mechanism begins to operate, thebarcode/RFID of the cart is scanned, the cart is weighed, and the cartis photographed. The forks lift the cart in an arcuate pathcorresponding to an arc length of about 160 degrees. Thedebris/materials fall from the cart (via gravity) onto a feederconveyor. The feeder conveyor can meter the materials onto the sortingconveyor line. The cart can be brought back down to the platform andremoved manually from the forks. The process can be repeated for eachcart. Empty carts can be available for reuse. On the feeder conveyorprior to sorting, the debris/materials can be photographed to documentthe content of each cart. The recorded data can be joined to thebarcode/RFID and jobsite location information. Mechanical sorting and/orhand sorting of the debris can be performed. Materials can be selectedbased on current market conditions of recyclability and value. Therecorded data can then be used for invoicing and recycling reportgeneration.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in theforegoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will cometo mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of theteaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be comprised within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein,as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a genericand descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting thedescribed invention, nor the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing debris, comprising:receiving an order from a customer for a plurality of carts to bedelivered at a jobsite, wherein the order is associated with a uniqueticket number, wherein each cart is assigned a unique identifier andprovided with indicia of the unique identifier, wherein a systemcontroller associates the unique identifier of each cart of theplurality of carts with the unique ticket number; loading the pluralityof carts onto a truck, each cart of the plurality of carts having abase, a plurality of wheels extending downwardly from the base relativeto a vertical axis, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from thebase, wherein the walls and the base of each cart cooperate to define adebris-receiving space; unloading the plurality of carts from the truckat the jobsite; during or after unloading of the plurality of carts fromthe truck at the jobsite, detecting the indicia of the unique identifierof each cart of the plurality of carts, wherein the plurality of cartsare configured to be rolled to distribute the carts within the jobsite;transmitting, to the system controller, information indicative ofdelivery of each cart to the jobsite; following receipt of debris withinat least a portion of the plurality of carts and rolling of a pluralityof debris-filled carts to a pickup area, detecting the indicia of theunique identifier of each debris-filled cart of the plurality ofdebris-filled carts; and transmitting, to the system controller,information indicative of retrieval of each debris-filled cart from thejobsite.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the truck is a straighttruck, and wherein the plurality of carts are loaded and unloaded usinga lift gate of the straight truck.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein themethod does not comprise transferring debris from the plurality ofdebris-filled carts to a dumpster.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising using the system controller to generate a report related tothe plurality of carts associated with the unique ticket number.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the information indicative of delivery ofeach cart to the jobsite and the information indicative of retrieval ofeach debris-filled cart are transmitted to the system controller by ascanning device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the system controllercomprises a smartphone or a handheld computing device.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: delivering the plurality of debris-filledcarts from the pickup area to a debris processing facility; upondelivery of the plurality of debris-filled carts to the debrisprocessing facility, detecting the indicia of the unique identifier ofeach debris-filled cart of the plurality of debris-filled carts; andtransmitting, to the system controller, information indicative ofdelivery of each debris-filled cart from the jobsite to the debrisprocessing facility.